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Category Archives: Discipleship/Formation

The Gift of Winter

Parker Palmer’s work on the seasons is among the best I have read. The following is a part of what Geri used with our NLF staff team this past Tuesday to help us anchor ourselves in Him. There are few things more important for us as leaders than discerning the season of God -personally and corporately: Winter is a demanding season – and not everyone appreciates the discipline. It is a season when death’s victory can seem supreme: few creatures stir, plants do not visibly grow, and nature feels like our enemy. And yet the rigors of winter, like the diminishments of autumn, are accompanied by amazing gifts. One gift is beauty. I am not sure that any sight or sound on earth is as exquisite as the hushed descent of a sky full of snow. Another gift is the reminder that times of dormancy and deep rest are essential to all living things. But, for me,. Read more.

The Temptation to Strike the Rock

Bruce Gangnier’s sculpture of Moses Striking the Rock captures the one of the great temptations of leadership. Moses was commanded by God to speak to the rock so his “church” (2-3 million strong) might have water to drink. Instead, out of great frustration and anger, he struck the rock twice with his staff (Numbers 20:7-12). Moses never sees the Promised Land. Many of us miss the joy and peace of leading others in Jesus’ name (our Promised Land) because we are anxious, fearful, angry, frustrated and tired. The people get their water, as the Israelites did, but we pay a steep price. I have struck the rock more times than I want to count. Why? There are 2 temptations: 1. To build our own kingdom. We become unsure if we can trust God to grow our churches. So we help Him along, initiating programs and ministries to move the church along without consulting Him. 2. To force things because. Read more.

The Cross, Succession, and the False Self

Pete Scazzero (EHS) and Pastor Rich Villodas (Lead Pastor, New Life Fellowship) speak about a recent leadership conference held at New Life Fellowship led by Dr. Robert Mullholland.

Assessing EHS in Your Church (and Yourself)

This brief assessment was developed in our certification of EHS consultants as they begin to work with churches. Take a few minutes to fill it out by yourself or with your leadership. On scale of 5 (to a very great extent) to 1 (not at all), how would you rate your church on the following: Those around me would say we are not hurrie­­d or rushed. 1 2 3 4 5 We don’t avoid having difficult conversations. 1 2 3 4 5 We are rarely accused, as leaders, of “trying to do it all” and biting off more than we could chew. 1 2 3 4 5 We know when to carry someone else’s burden and when to let it go so they can carry it themselves. 1 2 3 4 5 We take time to grieve our losses and explore how God is seeking to work in us through them. 1 2 3 4 5 On scale. Read more.

Assessing EHS in Your Church (and Yourself)

This brief assessment was developed in our certification of EHS consultants as they begin to work with churches. Take a few minutes to fill it out by yourself or with your leadership. On scale of 5 (to a very great extent) to 1 (not at all), how would you rate your church on the following: Those around me would say we are not hurrie­­d or rushed.   1 2 3 4 5 We don’t avoid having difficult conversations. 1 2 3 4 5 We are rarely accused, as leaders, of “trying to do it all” and biting off more than we could chew.  1 2 3 4 5 We know when to carry someone else’s burden and when to let it go so they can carry it themselves.    1 2 3 4 5 We take time to grieve our losses and explore how God is seeking to work in us through them. 1. Read more.

Follow the Thread

Take a few minutes to meditate on this lovely poem by William Stafford (1914–1993). It lays out the indispensable foundation for both the Christian life and great leadership. The Way It Is There’s a thread you follow. It goes among things that change. But it doesn’t change. People wonder about what you are pursuing. You have to explain about the thread. But it is hard for others to see. While you hold it you can’t get lost. Tragedies happen; people get hurt or die; and you suffer and get old. Nothing you do can stop time’s unfolding. You don’t ever let go of the thread.